The key duties of the position include:The Role
The Advanced Strategic Capability Accelerator (ASCA) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the ASCA Innovation Incubation Directorate.
As an APS 5 Project Support Officer, you will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex project work in support of Innovation Challenges within the directorate.
We are seeking applications from high-performing individuals who have strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.
You will work independently and as part of a small team, exercising both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures.
You will provide project management advice in relation to complex work and contribute to strategic planning, support project management activities, and assist with reporting.
Broadly, the responsibilities of this role will include (but are not limited to):
Apply appropriate project and contract management methods and tools that are aligned with ASCA best practices, processes, and documentation.
Identify, assess, track, report, and manage project risks and issues effectively, identifying and applying risk mitigations and reporting risks and issues upwards as appropriate.
Manage schedule, and budget; and prepare briefings, reports and returns relating to project progress.
Manage procurement activities for assigned projects, including developing procurement documents, assisting with approaches to market, managing evaluations, and providing reports to decision makers.
Facilitate, develop, review, and support project contracting and procurement requirements, in consultation with the ASCA Acquisition & Commercial team.




Build and manage stakeholder relationships with Capability Manager, industry and academia representatives as appropriate.
About our Team
The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is transforming how breakthrough military solutions are delivered by rapidly translating innovative technologies into capabilities that strengthen Defence.
ASCA's purpose is to accelerate the delivery of capability to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through innovation, supported by a work ethic aligned with Defence values.
Transforming Australia's Defence innovation ecosystem is critical to delivering the advanced technologies required for national security.
ASCA connects and streamlines the Defence innovation system by solving urgent capability problems and taking a flexible, agile approach to procurement.
The team is agile and works in a rapid-paced and ever-evolving environment.
The team often faces unique problems and relies on innovative and creative problem solving to meet stakeholder requirements.
Our Ideal Candidate
ASCA is seeking a candidate who thrives in a high tempo and dynamic environment.
Within ASCA, staff are encouraged and empowered to take calculated risks and challenge the status quo whilst acting with integrity.
To succeed in this role, you must be an adaptable and resilient individual,



show initiative and be a team player who contributes to a respectful workplace.
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Ability to be an effective team member and build a positive culture;
Highly effective interpersonal written and oral communication skills, including strong emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability;
Demonstrate ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels;
High level of organisational skills, self-drive and initiative;
Ability to respond flexibly to changing situations, including using sound judgement under pressure, to ensure the success of project delivery.
EligibilitySecurity Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 1".
Getting to know the Department of DefenceThe Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees.
Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job.
Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work.
Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few.
We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce.
To find out more about a career with Defence please visit

📌 Project Support Officer (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra